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Welcome to our web exclusives. This is where you’ll find new and topical articles, instructions, links for taking action, multi-media bonuses and expanded versions of material in the print magazine. Enjoy!

Breed Rescue Our online reader supplied breed rescue list

Strategies for Dog Rescuers Finding a balance by Julia Kamysz Lane

A Teachable Moment Targeting: Go to Your Mat By Sandra Mannion

Juliette de Baïracli Levy’s Last Turkuman Hound Holistic pioneer had a passion for Turkuman Afghans By Eleanor K. Sommer

Q & A with Bim Angst Winner of The Bark's 1st Annual Short Story/Fiction Contest

From Hoofbeats, Heartbeats and Wings: Listen to "My Home" by Mary Ann Kennedy

Welcome to our web exclusives. This is where you’ll find new and topical articles, instructions, links for taking action, multi-media bonuses and expanded versions of material in the print magazine. Enjoy!

Exclusives

Dog Treats Valentine Liver Nibbles By Lucy Postins

Pup-Perfect Cleaning Tips Tricks of the Trade By Tom McNulty

Dog Census

Extras

Mine: Taken by Katrina Extended Q&A with Geralyn Pezanoski, Director & Producer By The Bark Editors

For lovers of lists, the end of the year brings great rewards as the ubiquitous “best of” compilations pour in from every corner of popular culture — favorite films, indispensable music, memorable news moments. Equal parts honor roll, gamesmanship and shopping list, they offer a chance for reflection and an opportunity to savor recent pleasures. We couldn’t resist compiling our own roll call of favorites for the “best dog cinema” of the past decade: nine films, one documentary subject and two canine-stealing scenes that we found enchanting or thought-provoking—and often both.

Up, 2009
Pete Docter
Cartoon dogs are the ultimate anthropomorphization and in Up, the sheer delight with which the Pixar animators created their canine characters is infectious—you will laugh at every absurd my-dog-does-that trait and be awe-struck by the flawless visual detailing.

Wendy and Lucy, 2008
Kelly Reichardt
The misadventures of the 20-something Wendy (Michelle Williams) and her stoic mutt, Lucy (played by the director’s own dog) during a trip from Indiana to Alaska. A meditation on possibility, melancholy and loss—the scenes between Wendy and Lucy are touching and real to the core.

The Savages, 2007
Tamara Jenkins
Sometimes a single scene is worth the price of admission, although this funny, sad and authentic study of generational family dynamics is rich with memorable performances and superb writing. An aging Golden Retriever has a minor but pivotal role, inspiring an underachieving character (Laura Linney) to a transformative revelation.

Year of the Dog, 2007
Mike White
Despite some cringe-worthy moments, this makes our list as one of the few films to tackle the passion and eccentricities of devoted “dog people,” portrayed here by Molly Shannon and Peter Sarsgaard. There’s real humor and heart lurking behind the manic performances and script, and a touching compassion throughout.

Traveling with Pets, 2007
Directed by Vera Storozheva
Russian with English Subtitles
A single brief scene involving a woman, a train and a running dog vividly captures the elusiveness of freedom and love in this rarely seen film. Look for it on the film-festival circuit or on cable, and take a chance on this luminous, beautifully acted meditation on a rural woman coming into her own following the sudden death of her deeply unsympathetic husband. (Ignore the title — something must have been lost in translation, as the “pets” include a cow, a goat and a stray dog, and all have minor roles.)

Dealing Dogs, 2006
Tom Simon and Sarah Teale
This HBO documentary exposes the business of buying and selling dogs for medical research as seen through the hidden camera of an animal-rights activist who infiltrated an Arkansas kennel owned by one of the country’s most notorious canine dealers. Brave and unflinching, it’s a story that has to be told. Fortunately, the film appears to have inspired legislation to combat this kind of exploitation.

Hurricane Katrina DocumentariesTrouble the Water by Catherine Laine, Left Behind Without a Choice by Lynne Bengston, Dark Water Rising by Mike Shiley, Mine: Taken by Katrina by Geralyn Rae Pezanoski: Important films all, they document the infamous natural and human-exacerbated disaster that resulted in a reshaping of the way Americans think about their pets and how they respond in emergencies. The stories here are heartbreaking, inspiring and unforgettable.

Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, 2005
Steve Box and Nick Park
Another quirky British claymation adventure starring Wallace and his loyal and long-suffering dog, Gromit. When the village’s “giant vegetable” competition is threatened by voracious bunnies, Wallace takes matters into his own hands, aided (and often rescued) by his sidekick, Gromit. Both children and adults can enjoy this delightful and hilarious tale.

The Cave of the Yellow Dog, 2005
Byambasuren Davaa
A simple story of a young Mongol girl and her family, told against an epic landscape. With its cast of non-professional actors, the film is documentary-like in its pacing and unfiltered gaze at a beautiful other world. When the girl claims a lost dog as her own, the drama begins. A cultural revelation, the film is a reflection on innocence, wonder and the human-animal bond.

Still Life with Animated Dogs, 2001
Paul Fierlinger
This 60-minute gem traces the filmmaker’s tumultuous life from Stalinist Czechoslovakia to the United States as seen through his relationships with his dogs. It is Fierlinger’s loyalty and caring for his dog that sustains him even in an atmosphere of oppression and suspicion. Each dog serves as a marker of the filmmaker’s personal growth from a misanthrope to an artist who appreciates the divine powers of nature. Exquisite storytelling.

My Dog Skip, 2000
Jay Russell
A faithful adaptation of Willie Morris’ classic book about a shy boy growing up in 1940s Mississippi with the help of his beloved dog, Skip. The amusing and touching vignettes are performed by an exceptionally talented Jack Russell and a youthful Frankie Muniz. This paean to a boy’s first dog is told sweetly and sincerely, and will elicit waves of nostalgia.

Best in Show, 2000
Christopher Guest
The tagline from the film is “Some pets deserve a little more respect than others,” and what could have been simply a 90-minute gag turns into a hilarious character study of show-dog devotees. Aside from the searing wit with which these obsessions are made, the film’s genius lies in its kernels of truth, recognizable by all dog lovers.

Do you have a favorite dog film or canine-stealing scene from the past decade? We’d love to hear about it—post your comments below.

The words “noble, wise and downright precious” describe 2010’s pack of calendar dog models. Across the country, nonprofit animal welfare groups have assembled some of the most irresistible faces, and all you have to do to see them is click below. Even better, by purchasing one of these calendars, you’re helping yourself and a good cause at the same time. Don’t delay—time’s flying! P.S.: Check in with your local rescue and shelter groups, who may also be offering calendars—support your home-town heroes!

To mark the end of summer’s dog days, we’re sharing a few of the products that have kept us company all season long.

Kangaroom Pet Pouch
If you’re like us, you’re constantly struggling to keep all your dog gear in one place. So we bet you’ll be as thrilled as we were with the Kangaroom Pet Pouch, which organizes all the dogs’ must-haves—from treats to brushes—in a single, tidy, carry-along unit. Lightweight, durable and washable, with a handy bag dispenser, the Pet Pouch helps you take control of your space.
MSRP $19.99

To Go Bowl XL
Ever notice how thirsty dogs get in the car? This handy bowl will help your pooches stay hydrated, and fits neatly into most vehicle cup holders. Made of FDA-approved polypropylene and available in eight colors.
$19.99

Healthy Motion Powder
Our 16-year-old dog is more active during the summer months, so to keep his joints loose and increase his mobility, we add supplements to his food. One of our favorites is Healthy Motion, which is chock full of glucosamine, antioxidants, omega oils and traditional herbs. It allows our old guy to keep up with the pups! Available in both powder and tablet form.
$17.99–$32.99

Pawduke All Natural Treats
We’re always on the lookout for quality treats, and were pleased to discover the great healthy treats made by Pawduke—wheat-free, corn-free and soy-free with no salt, sugar, preservatives or by-products. The peanut butter–flavor bits are a big hit during our puppy training sessions, and the pumpkin-flavor treats are perfect for our hound’s sensitive stomach.
$7

Petprojekt Dogmat
Sometimes the simplest solutions are best. Take the Dogmat, for example—mix smart design and attractive colors, and you’ve got the total package. These mats not only help prevent food and water spills, they also keep dog bowls from sliding across the floor like hockey pucks. Durable, dishwasher safe and chemical-free—the Dogmat solves a common problem with style.
$24

The last time I did the math, I figured out that my dogs and I have gone on more than 14,325 walks over the years. Here’s what I’ve come to value during the miles we’ve covered.

1. A leather leash. Especially for medium to large dogs, I recommend leather over just about any other material. It’s not only soft on your hands, it’s strong (even the best-trained dog will sometimes threaten to pull you off your feet—squirrel, anyone?). A well-made leather leash will last your dog’s lifetime (see examples at Paco Collars and Bridgeport Equipment.

2. Treats. Small, easily digestible varieties like Pet Greens or other jerky-like treats that can be broken into small pieces are popular with our dogs. Kibble morsels also work well.

3. Water and a collapsible water bowl. Itzadog’s Zuka bowls are great. For eco- and safety reasons, I prefer a reusable water container that I carry in a sling; aluminum water bottles are lightweight, and a bota bag also works.

4. Plenty of pick-up bags. I always carry more than I think I’ll need, and a paper towel or two.

5. Pockets—the more the merrier! I like jackets with big roomy pockets, and sometimes cargo pants, which provide even more carrying capacity. If it’s too hot for a jacket, a multi-pocket dog-walker’s belt is a good alternative; the DOOG Walkie Belt is a stylish new model.

6. A small flashlight. Makes finding things—like poop deposited under a bush—much easier, especially on those early-morning or after-dark outings. I have a tiny one attached to my jacket’s zipper tab.

7. A whistle. The Fox-40 produces a super-loud sound that carries even in windy conditions. Good not only to get your dog’s attention (be sure to train a recall using it), but also for your own personal safety—it’s a great alert.

8. Comfortable footwear. Without a doubt, warm, dry and well-supported feet add light years to the experience; during the rainy season, I go for waterproof/water-resistant materials. (Take a tip from hikers and get the best socks and shoes or boots you can manage.)

You know how when you order a milkshake at an old-fashioned ice cream parlor the really good soda jerks always manage to make a little too much, which they let you have to replenish your drink. That’s how we see Web Extras. This is where you’ll find stuff—expanded versions of articles, instructions and links for taking action, and sometimes multi-media bonuses—we couldn’t quite fit in the magazine but that we hope will add to your enjoyment of the current issue.